Promising New Era of Innovation, Collaboration and Discovery in Supramolecular Chemistry
The Supramolecular, Interfacial and Synthetic Chemistry (SISC) group at the University of Kent welcomes Dr Felipe Fantuzzi as its new head, ushering in a fresh era of leadership and scientific exploration. Dr Fantuzzi, a Lecturer in Chemistry known for his expertise in theoretical and computational chemistry, succeeds Dr Helena Shepherd, whose tenure saw substantial contributions to the field.
Dr Fantuzzi’s academic odyssey spans several continents and notable institutions. After earning his MSc and PhD in Chemistry at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he expanded his research scope with a post-doctoral tenure at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the USA. He further honed his skills with an Alexander von Humboldt post-doctoral fellowship at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany, under the guidance of Professors Holger Braunschweig and Bernd Engels at the Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron (ICB).
His research has impacted the fields of boron chemistry, biradicals and biradicaloids, small-molecule activation, and astrochemistry, advancing our understanding of the electronic structures, bonding dynamics, and reactive properties of novel compounds. His work is not only pivotal in theoretical realms but also instrumental in practical applications, bridging the gap between intricate chemical theories and real-world chemical applications.
As Dr Fantuzzi takes the reins of SISC, he also continues to play a significant role in the KAIROS, emphasising his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations. His dual roles highlight a unique synergy between SISC and KAIROS, promising to propel forward the University of Kent’s reputation as a leader in both space research and supramolecular chemistry.
With a clear vision for innovation, collaboration, and discovery, Dr Fantuzzi’s leadership is set to not only continue the legacy of excellence established by Dr. Shepherd but also expand SISC’s research horizons to explore new scientific frontiers. The University of Kent and the SISC community warmly congratulate Dr. Fantuzzi on his new appointment and look forward to the advancements his leadership will bring to the scientific table.